John 8:28
What does John 8:28 mean?
A plain-English look at John 8:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 8:28 means
Jesus declares that when they have “lifted up the Son of man,” they will know that “I am he,” and that He acts and speaks only as taught by the Father. “Lifted up” points to His crucifixion, which will paradoxically reveal His identity and obedience. The cross will vindicate His claims: in death He displays divine love, fulfills Scripture, and draws people to Himself. Far from acting alone, He embodies perfect submission. Those who mock Him there will unwittingly bear witness to His glory. The cross becomes the turning point where blindness can become sight for those who will see.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus therefore said, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I speak these things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus therefore said, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father taught me, I speak these things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Jesus said, When the Son of man has been lifted up by you, then it will be clear to you who I am, and that I do nothing of myself, but say as the Father gave me teaching.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus, therefore, said to them, `When ye may lift up the Son of Man then ye will know that I am <FI>he<Fi> ; and of myself I do nothing, but according as my Father did teach me, these things I speak;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus therefore said to them: When you shall have lifted up, the Son of man, then shall you know that I am he and that I do nothing of myself. But as the Father hath taught me, these things I speak.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus therefore said to them, When ye shall have lifted up the Son of man, then ye shall know that I am [he], and [that] I do nothing of myself, but as the Father has taught me I speak these things.
Context
This verse follows the note of misunderstanding and forecasts a future moment of recognition. It anchors Jesus’ identity and mission in the coming crucifixion. The next verse will add that the Father is with Him and that He always does what pleases the Father. Together, these statements form a theology of the cross: apparent defeat is the Father’s plan and the Son’s obedient triumph. This prepares for the response in which many believe in Him, showing that His words already open eyes even before the lifting up.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:30
I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
- John 11:42
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me.
- John 19:18
where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:15
who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove out us, and please not God, and are contrary to all men;
- Acts 4:4
But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
- Numbers 16:28
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that Jehovah hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
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